Top 10 Premier League Players Who Could Be Potential MLS Targets This Summer

Top 10 Premier League Players Who Could Be Potential MLS Targets

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Every summer there is constant speculation about specific Premier League players being targets for MLS teams. Some are wild rumors and some are plausible transfer deals. There is always an element of risk in MLS teams signing an aging player, no matter how great their peak years were. Everything has to be taken into consideration, both on the field and off of it, for the right players to be firstly targeted and then signed.

10. John Arne Riise

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10. John Arne Riise

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The Fulham left-back is out of contract in the summer and would be available on a free transfer if the Norwegian does not renew at Craven Cottage. Riise has struggled to hold down a first team place this season, but he has played more games recently than he had earlier in the season. He would be effective as a raiding left-back in MLS.

9. Joe Cole

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9. Joe Cole

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Joe Cole's fairytale return to West Ham United looks like it will end after this season. Cole has struggled to solidify a place in Sam Allardyce's lineup, and he could move on in the summer when he will be a free agent. Whether Cole decides against the idea of leaving London again will be the deciding factor as to where he lands next. He's still a tricky, creative player who could make an impact for an MLS team over the next few years.

8. Rio Ferdinand

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8. Rio Ferdinand

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Rio Ferdinand has been linked with a move to MLS in the past, and with his contract expiring at the end of this season, it could be the right time for a move to happen. Ferdinand has endured a poor season for Manchester United and rumors suggest he could either turn to retirement or a move abroad for a new challenge. He could be a great signing off the field as much as on it.

7. Darren Bent

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7. Darren Bent

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Darren Bent's career took a nosedive after he joined Aston Villa in 2011. Bent has always been a goalscorer in the Premier League, and you would have to think he would do the same in MLS. Most of his work is done in the penalty box, and when he is the top striker on a team, he usually responds by producing goals. He still has one more year on his Aston Villa contract after spending this season on loan with Fulham.

6. Joleon Lescott

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6. Joleon Lescott

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Joleon Lescott will almost certainly be looking for a new club this summer. The Manchester City center-back will be a free agent with City unlikely to offer him renewed terms. Lescott may decide to remain in the Premier League, and he will surely get offers from teams lower down the table than where City resides. If he doesn't, though, or decides to take a new challenge abroad, then Lescott could be a very good acquisition for MLS.

5. Patrice Evra

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5. Patrice Evra

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Patrice Evra's contract expires at Manchester United this summer, but there have been reports that the Frenchman had a clause in his contract which allows him to extend his current deal if he plays so many games for United this season. Having played the required games, he has, reportedly, now triggered that clause. Whether that impacts United's stance on the player is yet to be seen, and if Evra does leave, MLS could be a consideration.

4. Ashley Cole

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4. Ashley Cole

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Ashley Cole has had a difficult season at Chelsea and looks certain to move in the summer. Cole has been kept out of the left-back position by a right-back in Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta this season. Cole has enjoyed a successful career at club level and could seek a new challenge away from England in the summer. Whichever club he signs for will still be getting an excellent defender.

3. John Terry

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3. John Terry

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John Terry has rejuvenated his career this season after struggling in the past few seasons in the Premier League. His contract expires this summer and he has opened negotiations with Chelsea over a new deal, but at age 33 Terry can only expect an extended one-year deal and a pay cut from his current salary. Unless a compromise is found, Terry could be a free agent this summer.

2. Samuel Eto'o

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2. Samuel Eto'o

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Samuel Eto'o signed a one-year deal at Chelsea last summer and, after criticism from manager Jose Mourinho recently, looks as if he could head for the exit door this summer. Eto'o has been a goalscorer extraordinaire throughout his career and would be a great signing for any MLS team. He may be 33, but he still knows where the net is and could be a headline acquisition this summer.

1. Frank Lampard

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1. Frank Lampard

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Frank Lampard has been linked with a move to MLS for a few years now, and this summer will probably be do-or-die for this move to actually take place. If Lampard renews with Chelsea, he'll finish his career there; if he doesn't then a move to MLS could come to fruition. Lampard would provide a ton of goals from midfield and would be a fantastic leader.